The Enlightened Leadership Program at Maharishi University of Management meets to discuss Maharishi's knowledge related to leadership and how to implement those principles into fresh, innovative concepts and courses for University growth.

Program launched to culture next generation of leaders
by Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa, USA, The Review
March 2013

A program to culture a new generation of leaders for Maharishi University of Management and Maharishi's Worldwide Transcendental Meditation Movement launched on January 12.

Called the Enlightened Leadership Program, the inaugural meeting comprised 21 young faculty, staff, and students who are leaders or emerging leaders, along with MUM President Dr. Bevan Morris, Executive Vice-President Craig Pearson, and members of the University's Executive Committee.

The program meets weekly over an eight-month period to discuss Maharishi's knowledge related to leadership and how to implement those principles into fresh, innovative concepts and courses for University growth.

"Participants expand their leadership skills while gaining access to an array of perspectives, resources, and mentors from the highest levels of leadership in the University, business community, and Transcendental Meditation organization," said Adrienne Schoenfeld, creator and director of the Enlightened Leadership Program.

Speakers include Maharaja Adhiraj Rajaraam, Dr. John Hagelin, Mayor Ed Malloy, and filmmaker David Lynch.
In addition, the program focuses on working with senior leaders as mentors, further fueling personal and University growth. Participants will also enhance their leadership skills via event production, at both MUM and internationally, plus outreach and community organization, while working with top leaders.

"Through working in small teams, engaging in dialogue with decision-makers, and mentorship, our young leaders more clearly understand lessons from the past, and are able to examine realities of the present, and the consequences of decisions in the future," Ms. Schoenfeld said.

She said this diverse group of PhD and master's students, department heads, and teachers of the Transcendental Meditation program is developing skills in stewardship and "servant leadership"—that is, coming to leadership out of a desire to serve as opposed to the desire to lead.

"They really listen receptively to what is being said, then work together with a collective vision," Ms. Schoenfeld said. "This next generation is enthusiastic and talented, but most importantly, they exhibit a passion for the development of their own consciousness."

A new training program will begin approximately every six months. The next entry for the 2013–14 program will be in the fall, and applications will be avail- able in April. Class members are selected through a process that includes written applications, personal interviews, and a commitment to service.

Those completing the program are awarded a certificate. The first cohort will continue to meet twice a month and will rotate through various MUM departments as greater leadership roles at MUM and internationally develop.

© Copyright 2013 Maharishi University of Management